Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly preparing to offer Arsenal a “perfect” transfer window, with an impressive proposal to sign four of the club’s players for nearly £130 million. This could provide Arsenal with significant funds as they seek to enhance their squad.
No other Premier League team earned as much as £100 million from player sales this summer, which further highlights the potential windfall for Arsenal, although Mikel Arteta will have the final say on any departures.
Despite nearing the end of their careers, some players still managed to secure considerable transfer fees. For instance, Kieran Tierney has fallen out of favor at Arsenal, with Oleksandr Zinchenko often preferred at left-back.
Though Tierney remains a quality player, Arteta’s preference for full-backs capable of inverting into midfield could drive him to seek regular playing time elsewhere.
Tierney has attracted interest from Newcastle and Celtic, but neither club has met Arsenal’s £30 million asking price. Saudi clubs, however, are willing to pay significant sums, making a move to the region a likely prospect for the Scottish international.
Albert Sambi Lokonga, who was omitted from Arsenal’s pre-season squad after failing to impress Arteta, is another player who may leave the club.
The Belgian midfielder is expected to depart, with Burnley, managed by his former Anderlecht boss Vincent Kompany, the most likely destination. It remains unclear whether Arsenal will seek a permanent transfer or a loan deal for Lokonga.
Saudi clubs could rival Burnley, offering a higher fee, possibly recovering the £15 million Arsenal spent on him in 2021. While Arsenal turned down a £7 million offer from Monaco earlier, a fee near £10 million could facilitate his departure.
Thomas Partey is another player potentially on his way out, especially with the arrival of Declan Rice, which has reduced his role in the team. The Ghanaian midfielder, with two years left on his contract, may not be offered a new deal, and this could be Arsenal’s last chance to secure a significant transfer fee.
Saudi clubs have already shown interest in Partey, and a bid of around £40 million could be enough for Arsenal to sell, following a similar deal with Fabinho to Al-Ittihad.
Folarin Balogun, having impressed during his loan spell at Reims last season, may also leave. While Gabriel Jesus’ injury temporarily created a space for him, Balogun is eager for a first-choice striker role elsewhere.
Inter Milan considered Arsenal’s £50 million asking price too high, but Saudi clubs could offer a lucrative deal to sign the highly coveted young striker.
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